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A New Trend In Weddings
The latest trend for weddings is to hold a cocktail wedding reception. This is by no means a new concept - the idea has been around for years - but is now gaining in popularity with couples who favor a simple, yet elegant alternative to over-the-top extravagant and expensive wedding affairs.
It's a particularly good choice for career couples, older couples or those who are planning a second marriage. Organizing a full-blown traditional wedding for 200 people is a huge commitment and can take up an enormous amount of your time, energy and money.
A cocktail wedding, on the other hand, can be as low-keyed or as extravagant as you wish, as casual or as formal as you desire. It's a sophisticated choice that can be a huge money and time-saver, while reducing the stress and headaches that usually comes with planning a traditional wedding.
Cocktail weddings can also be planned around any type of wedding theme be it "butterflies", "daisies" or whatever appeals to you. Be sure to create a signature cocktail to match your theme and you'll have a memorable drink to serve to your guests as well. Read on for more ideas and suggestions on how to plan your own elegant wedding cocktail party.
What's New?
* Classy Wedding Invitations
* Books To Learn How To Mix Your Own Cocktails
* Resources to Help You Plan Your Celebration
* Youtube Video: 3 Signature Cocktails To Create
Easy Wedding Planning
- 6 Reasons To Choose a Cocktail Wedding Reception
- Cocktail Wedding Favors
- Unique Wedding Themes For Your Cocktail Wedding
- Location, Location, Location
- Weddings With Style
- Appetizers, Hors d'ouerves, and Food Stations
- Classy Wedding Invitations
- Signature Cocktails That Say "I Love You"
- Mix Your Own Cocktails
- Happy Hour Bouquets
- Making A Signature Cocktail
- Drink It Up! Complimentary Wedding Themes
- Plan the Perfect Wedding Reception
- Ebay Has Cocktail Items Too!
- More Wedding Planning Lenses By Rose
- Reader Feedback
6 Reasons To Choose a Cocktail Wedding Reception
Over a Traditional Sit-Down Dinner/Buffet Reception
There are a number of reasons why a couple would choose a cocktail wedding party instead of a formal, traditional wedding reception. Here are five points to consider:1. A cocktail reception can easily be held on a weeknight, as opposed to the amount of time a traditional wedding on the weekend chews up. Usually only 3 to 5 hours in length many couples elect to hold this type of wedding on a Friday evening... leaving the rest of the weekend free for the bridal party and their wedding guests to do with as they wish.
2. There's minimal inconvenience for your guests overall. Think about it. Most wedding ceremonies are held mid-afternoon, then there's a break for pictures while guests have to find something to do for a couple of hours, then on to the reception for the rest of the evening. That's practically a full day that the wedding party and guests have to devote to the celebration. A cocktail reception allows your guests to come straight from work, witness the marriage vows... then let the party begin!
3. Most brides and bridesmaids will elect to wear sophisticated, fashionable cocktail dresses rather than elaborate wedding gowns and hideous bridesmaid dresses which cost about the same as buying a small country. Eliminating this large expense can save considerable money overall which can be used for food, liquor or whatever. It also removes the inconvenience of having to endure several dress fittings and the expense of alterations.
4. Because the reception is held during the week you can scoop up great savings on food, decorations and entertainment. Tasty hors d'ouerves, specialty food stations, signature cocktails, and a small themed band are perfect for this setting. Decorations can be kept to a minimum as well.
5. You'll have a larger choice of locations at a fraction of the cost that a weekend wedding would entail. A list of location ideas is found farther down the page.
6. Many couples choose to have their ceremony performed by a Justice of the Peace. Again, this eliminates a large church wedding and it can be performed right before the reception. A short service with self-written vows is a beautiful and intimate way to share your love for one another, while including your close family and friends in the celebration.
Cocktail Wedding Favors
Snazzy bridal favors that are sure to delight your guests.
- Wedding Cocktail Mix - Many DESIGNS to Choose From
Blended or shaken, you can cause a stir with these festive cocktail mixes! Bridal couples that want a really fun and festive wedding favor for their guests can now turn to the new Wedding Cocktail Collection in a variety of flavors. Personalized packages of cocktail drink mix make a wedding favor idea that's in step with the latest trends.- Champagne Bubble Bottle Wedding Favors
Bubbles make the perfect romantic send off for the newlyweds and these tiny champagne bottles bring a unique twist to bubbles. Each champagne bottle comes with .6 oz of bubble solution and the top of the champagne bottle turns into a bubble wand. The champagne bubble bottles measure 3 high x 1 wide and are sold in packs of 24.- Cocktails Anyone!? Martini Glass Gel Candle
Shaken, stirred and a fabulous little favor. This cool candle warms up any occasion - reception, rehearsal, shower, or even a special cocktail party. Clear gel burns brightly in this miniature martini glass made of real glass. One little ""olive"" bobs delicately in the gel, adding a realistic touch to this tiny cocktail. The only thing more impressive than the candle itself is the gorgeous little chic gift box it arrives in! A transparent window showcases the candle and the black and white olive print shimmies over every inch of the box (even inside!) There's even a "Thank You" graphic printed right on this showcase box. A sheer black ribbon, tied in a bow with included sweet little olive tag! . A Kate Aspen Original Design.- Personalized Tux and Gown Favor Boxes (Set of 50)
Fun tuxedo and bridal gown favor boxes add a whimsical touch to your reception. Boxes may be printed with your first names and wedding date in the foil color of your choice. Gown boxes may be tied closed with ribbon; not included. Boxes sold in sets of 50.
Unique Wedding Themes For Your Cocktail Wedding
Unique Theme Weddings - A Complete Guide To Creating Your Own Magical Wedding Day
This ebook written by Kari White will take you by the hand and lead you easily through the maze of how to get your wedding just right for your own special fantasy, and blow the minds of your guests too. With 17 unique themes, any of which can be adapted for a Cocktail Wedding Celebration, you're sure to find that perfect setting that works for you.Not sure what you want? Here are three featured themes that can easily be tailored to suit a cocktail reception:
1920's Theme Wedding - A speakeasy, jazz band, and martinis. This is a classic choice for a theme reception.
Uptown Affair: Cocktail Inspired Theme - This theme is exactly what it says - a Cocktail Wedding. Chic, sophisticated and guaranteed to "wow" your guests.
Movie Premiere Theme Wedding - Your story is just beginning. Set the stage and get ready for your cue. Lights! Camera! Action!
Get inspired! Click here to read the rest...
Location, Location, Location
- Upscale Restaurant - Many restaurants have private banquet rooms that can hold anywhere from 30 to 100+ guests. It's convenient, as table, chairs, linens, cutlery, a bar service and waitstaff are available, and you shouldn't need to hire a caterer.
- Golf/Country/Yacht Club - As these places often cater to weddings and other large events, they are a great choice. And they usually have beautiful views too!
- Art Gallery - Yes, many art galleries will rent out their location for special events. You'll need to hire caterers and waitstaff. Keep decorations to a minimum. This is a lovely, classy location for a cocktail reception.
- Outdoor Terraces/Landscaped Patio Gardens - Intimate and beautiful, a location such as this lends itself to quiet sophistication. Perfect for those hot summer evenings.
- Riverboat Ferry - Take it out onto the water for a gorgeous sunset cruise. Many tour boats can be rented to accomodate events such as this. What could be more romantic?
Weddings With Style
In Style: Weddings (In Style)
Amazon Price: $29.70 (as of 12/02/2008) 
List Price: $45.00
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Jo Gartin's Weddings: An Inspiring Guide for the Stylish Bride
Amazon Price: $17.21 (as of 12/02/2008)
List Price: $22.95
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Signature Weddings: Creating a Day Uniquely Your Own
Amazon Price: $31.50 (as of 12/02/2008)
List Price: $50.00
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Appetizers, Hors d'ouerves, and Food Stations
What should you serve at your cocktail reception?
There's no end to the type of food that can be served at a cocktail wedding reception. It can be a mixture of a variety of dishes or perhaps you'd like to focus on a particular region, such as Chinese, Mexican or Italian.With a cocktail reception there is no formal seating. Set up a few seating arrangements with chairs and sofas here and there, but mainly the idea is to mingle. Food stations can be set up around the room so guests can help themselves throughout the evening. Here are some suggestions to get you started. The caterer you will be using will also present you with a list of choices.
Classy Wedding Invitations
- Cardiff Card
Sophisticated layered invitation has two pieces, both have black bottom layers and white top layers. Bottom piece has wide black and white tied ribbon. Slip the printed insert behind ribbon for a truly elegant look.
$769 for 50 / $995 for 100- Magnificent Mocha
Magnificent Mocha / Double Espresso. Shimmering shade of mocha invitation. Invitation will be printed flush left. Includes pre-cut brown satin ribbon. Color of ribbon cannot be changed. Return address optional on ecru envelopes will be printed in any ink color of choice.
$262 for 25 / $289 for 100- Square Shimmer
Layered square invitation features bottom and middle layers in ecru and top layer in ecru shimmer. Top layers are accented with satin ribbons in top left and bottom right corners. Invitation wording will be printed flush right, centered and left.
$392 for 25 / $419 for 100- Totally Textured
Unique invitation includes handcrafted base card & printed insert. Base card features groom's top hat, made of ribbon and bridal veil with rhinestones. Shimmering silver base card.
$392 for 25 / $419 for 100- Majesty
Elegant invitation is dark shade of purple / eggplant color. Wording is printed inside and will be printed in matte gold only. Invitation comes assembled with gold satin bow.
$297 for 25 / $386 for 100
Signature Cocktails That Say "I Love You"
Make is special, make it unique... make it all yours!
What's a cocktail wedding reception without a signature cocktail drink? First created in London in 1922 to celebrate royal weddings, the most famous signature cocktail, the Windsor Arms, was designed to mark the nuptials of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.For your own wedding, either pick a popular wedding cocktail or create your own unique blend. The main thing to remember is that your bar should be free of charge with this type of reception. Having a cash bar is in poor etiquette. For the record, overall it's cheaper to serve hard liquor (1oz - 2oz per glass) rather than full glasses of wine and bottles of beer. Something for you to keep in mind.
Assign a name for your signature drink that either reflects your personalities, focuses on your theme choice, or relates to the location of your wedding.
Here are some favorite wedding cocktails that have been quite popular with brides and grooms:
* Love is in the Air
* Sealed with a Kiss
* Hot Romance
* Wedding Belle Cocktail
* Elegant Wedding Punch
* Traditional Wedding Punch
(Recipes for these can be found here.)
* Honey I Dew
* Cinna-Hon
* Sweet Tart
* Lovers' Brew
* Orange Crush
* Bride's Bouquet
* The Aphrodisiac
(Click here. Scroll through the 7 drink listings for recipes.)
Design a Signature Cocktail
Instead of toasting with champagne, do it with your own signature cocktail. It can be the highlight of your bar offerings or, for couples on a budget, a standout drink to accompany the wine and champers.
Mix Your Own Cocktails
Try 'em out before you serve 'em up to your guests!
The Ultimate Bar Book: The Comprehensive Guide to Over 1,000 Cocktails
Loaded with essential-to-know topics such as barware, tools, and mixing tips, this book has it all. Try out old classics and creative new elixirs. Illustrations show precisely what type of glass should be used for each drink. With dozens of recipes for garnishes, rims, infusions, and syrups; punches, gelatin shooters, hot drinks, and non-alcoholic beverages; and let's not forget an essential selection of hangover remedies.
Amazon Price: $15.96 (as of 12/02/2008)
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The Little Black Book of Cocktails: The Essential Guide to New & Old Classics (Little Black Books) (Little Black Books (Peter Pauper Hardcover))
Includes recipes for classic cocktails, martinis, urban chic, punches, tropical drinks, and naughty-sounding cocktails.
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 12/02/2008)
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Cool Cocktails: The Hottest New Drinks and the Best of the Classics
Delicious, glamorous, even slightly decadent-- cocktails are back in vogue. Includes a delicious range of recipes for almost 100 classic and contemporary cocktail, as well as practical advice on equipment and glasses.
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 12/02/2008)
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Happy Hour Bouquets
When a real drink just isn't enough...
Happy Hour Bouquets - Unique Flower Arrangements
You've seen it on buses, you've seen it on subways. Now, see it on YouTube. Julie Mulligan introduces the line of unique Happy Hour Bouquet flower arrangements from 1-800-FLOWERS.COM. Perfect for many occasions. For more, visit http://www.happyhourbouquet.com
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Making A Signature Cocktail
Now, let's make the real drinks!
Signature Cocktails
Better TV shows you how to create a signature cocktail sure to impress any guest.
Runtime: 3:58
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Drink It Up! Complimentary Wedding Themes
- Black and Gold Wedding Theme
- Stunning, dazzling and very elegant, this is a wonderful color combination with many decorating options, and a perfect choice as a cocktail wedding color scheme.
- Black and White Wedding Color Scheme
- A classical black & white wedding is still a very popular choice among couples. Sharp, striking and elegant are the best words to describe this classic wedding theme design.
- 1920's Theme Wedding Ideas
- Do you love the idea of having a 1920's theme wedding when flapper dresses, long pearl necklaces, and pinstriped zoot suits were the fashion statement of the day? This is a fantastic theme to choose for a cocktail wedding shindig.
- 1940's Vintage Wedding: A "Big Band" Wedding Theme Idea
- For those of you who love idea of having a 1940's vintage wedding set in the big band era, this theme should provide a lot of entertainment and fun. Perfect for a cocktail reception.
- Fine Art Wedding: Artists of the World
- Nothing indicates sophistication like fine art can do. This theme features a variety of your favorite artists at each table setting.
- Ideas for a Red & Black Color Wedding
- Colors play an important part in your overall wedding scheme. Red & black weddings aren't your typical choice when choosing colors, but this combination can look absolutely stunning... if it's not overdone.
Plan the Perfect Wedding Reception
Sometimes we need a little dose of inspiration.
The Perfect Wedding Reception: Stylish Ideas For Every Season
Amazon Price: $28.40 (as of 12/02/2008)
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Simple Stunning Weddings: Designing and Creating Your Perfect Celebration
Amazon Price: $21.45 (as of 12/02/2008)
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The New Book of Wedding Flowers: Simple & Stylish Arrangements for the Creative Bride
Amazon Price: $10.36 (as of 12/02/2008)
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Preston Bailey's Design for Entertaining: Inspiration for Creating the Party of Your Dreams
Amazon Price: $29.70 (as of 12/02/2008)
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Fabulous Parties: Food and Flowers for Elegant Entertaining
Amazon Price: $23.10 (as of 12/02/2008)
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Ebay Has Cocktail Items Too!
Attending a wedding soon? Find fantastic deals on cocktail dresses, jewelry, and more.
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More Wedding Planning Lenses By Rose
- Medieval Weddings: How To Plan Your Fairy Tale Wedding
- Explore this lens to learn more about the history of Medieval/Renaissance weddings, get wonderful ideas for Medieval wedding dresses, learn how to create a Medieval feast, watch Medieval wedding videos, check out some fantastic photos, and so much more.
- How To Plan a Country Western Wedding Theme
- This lens features a variety of sources that will make your western wedding theme planning easier and quicker. With excellent tips, featured photos, and a wealth of western style ideas, your wedding day planning will be a fun and exciting experience.
- Fall Weddings - The Magic of Autumn Celebrations
- What a wonderful season to coordinate your wedding colors with. Read on for ideas, suggestions and resources to help you plan the autumn wedding you've always dreamed of.
Reader Feedback
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Posted August 27, 2007
